Lighting typically accounts for 8–12% of your annual electricity consumption in Bermuda. With high local electricity rates, improving lighting efficiency is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to cut energy use and reduce your BELCO bill.
Easy Ways to Reduce Lighting Energy Use
- Remove extra bulbs from multi-bulb fixtures or switch to single-bulb fittings.
- Install motion sensors or timers in low-use areas (hallways, bathrooms, garages).
- Turn off lights when leaving a room for more than one minute.
- Maximize natural daylight by:
- Clearing objects blocking windows
- Using light-coloured walls and ceilings
- Arranging furniture to allow sunlight into living spaces
- Dust light fixtures regularly to maintain brightness without additional bulbs.
- Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs:
- One LED can save ~$148 over four years
- Replacing four incandescent bulbs can save ~$592
- Participate in Government efficiency initiatives like the LED Giveaway, which distributed over 150,000 free LEDs (available for pickup at post offices).
- Use smart lighting controls to automate schedules and shut-off times, saving an additional 10–30%.
Types of Light Bulbs
Incandescent Bulbs (Not Recommended)
- Outdated and highly inefficient—use up to 5× more energy than LEDs.
- Short lifespan (~1,000 hours).
- Expensive to operate in Bermuda’s high-cost electricity environment.
- Best avoided entirely.
CFLs – Compact Fluorescent Lamps
- Use 75–80% less electricity than incandescent bulbs.
- Last 6,000–10,000 hours.
- Available in many shapes and sizes; some models are dimmable.
Important: CFLs contain mercury.
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Dispose of them at the Tynes Bay Hazardous Waste Drop-Off.
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If a bulb breaks: ventilate the area, use gloves and a damp cloth to gather debris, place in a sealed bag.
LEDs – Light Emitting Diodes (Highly Recommended)
- ENERGY STAR LEDs use 75–90% less energy than incandescent.
- Extremely long lifespan: 25,000–50,000 hours (25–50× longer than incandescent).
- Available in all common bulb types:
- 40W / 60W / 75W equivalents
- Recessed lighting
- Track lighting
- Prices have dropped significantly, offering quick payback through BELCO savings.
- Many LEDs are recyclable; check local programmes.
Smart Lighting Options
Smart LED bulbs and controls add convenience and increase efficiency.
Benefits
- Use 75–90% less energy than incandescent bulbs
- Very long lifespan (25,000–50,000 hours)
- Automate usage to reduce consumption by 10–30%
Options
- Smart bulbs: Philips Hue, WiZ, LIFX
- Features:
- App/voice control (Alexa, Google, Siri)
- Adjustable brightness
- Timers, schedules, and motion activation
- Colour-changing options
- Smart switches and plugs can add automation to existing non-smart lights.
Key Takeaways
- Lighting upgrades offer quick, low-cost savings on electricity.
- LEDs are the most efficient and cost-effective option for Bermuda homes.
- Smart controls and natural lighting strategies further reduce energy use.
Information in this guide includes references to the US Department of Energy.